🇦🇺 Australia — Department of Home Affairs (DIBP)

Australia Skilled Independent Visa (189) — Korean Documents Required

Australia's Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residence visa that does not require employer sponsorship. Korean nationals invited to apply (ITA from SkillSelect) must submit a full application to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days. Korean documents must be apostilled by MOFA and translated by a NAATI-certified translator.

Required Korean Documents

Basic Certificate (Birth Certificate)

기본증명서Required

Apostilled 기본증명서 with NAATI-certified English translation. Required for identity documentation.

Criminal Background Check

범죄·수사경력 회보서Required

Combined criminal and investigation records from the Korean National Police Agency. Apostilled and NAATI-certified translation. Required for all applicants 16 years or older.

University Diploma

학위증명서Required

Apostilled 학위증명서 with NAATI-certified translation. Required for skills assessment by the relevant Australian assessing body (VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, AHPRA, etc.).

Step-by-Step Process

1
Complete a skills assessment with the relevant Australian assessing body for your occupation — submit apostilled Korean qualifications with NAATI-certified translations
2
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and accumulate points for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
3
Upon receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application with the Department of Home Affairs
4
Gather all Korean documents (apostilled and NAATI-certified translation) within the 60-day window
5
Complete the mandatory health examination at a Home Affairs–approved panel physician
6
Submit the complete application online — Home Affairs will request any missing documents
7
Upon visa grant, enter Australia within the specified period (typically 12 months) to activate the visa

Tips & Common Mistakes

Start your skills assessment early — it is the longest-lead item, taking 8–16 weeks depending on the assessing body
Australian assessing bodies (VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, AHPRA) have specific requirements for Korean credential submissions — some require apostilled originals, others accept certified copies
NAATI-certified translations are specifically required by the Department of Home Affairs — not just 'certified translations.' The NAATI number must appear on the translation
The 60-day ITA window is tight — have your Korean civil documents (birth certificate, police clearance) pre-apostilled and ready before receiving an ITA
If your Korean degree is not your highest qualification (e.g., you have an Australian or US degree), skills assessment requirements may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a NAATI-certified translation and why is it required?

NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is Australia's national accreditation body for translators. The Department of Home Affairs requires translations by NAATI-accredited translators for all immigration applications. The translator's NAATI credential number must appear on the translation. Non-NAATI translations are not accepted.

Does my Korean degree need a skills assessment for the Subclass 189 visa?

Yes. All Subclass 189 applicants must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing body for their nominated occupation. This assessment is based on your Korean qualifications (apostilled diploma and transcript) and work experience.